IFAI names Steve Schiffman as new president & CEO
April 24, 2018 - United States Of America
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has named Steve Schiffman, the association’s vice president of media and sales, as the new president and CEO. IFAI is a not-for-profit trade association of companies representing the international specialty fabrics marketplace. Member companies includes one-person shops to multinational corporations.
Steve will replace Mary Hennessy, who is retiring June 1, 2018, after holding the position for the last six years.
Schiffman had a long and successful career in publishing before joining the staff of IFAI in January 2013. During his time at IFAI, Schiffman has led advertising and exhibit sales, membership recruitment and retention, web development, and the editorial and circulation departments. With his leadership, IFAI has maintained strong magazines, offered new digital media opportunities, nurtured a growing membership and launched new websites.
Hennessy, having served IFAI in numerous roles for more than 30 years, announced her retirement in September 2017, providing ample time for a successful replacement search. The IFAI Board of Directors appointed a search committee headed by Steve Ellington, president of Trivantage and chair of the IFAI board, who worked with a search firm to seek candidates, ultimately narrowing the list to a few finalists. After interviewing the finalists, the committee made their recommendation to the full IFAI Board of Directors for approval. The board voted unanimously to approve Schiffman’s new role.
Hennessy said, “Steve has done a great job for IFAI since joining our team 5 years ago. He is earnest and determined, and I have complete confidence in his abilities. I know he will be a strong and thoughtful leader.”
Ellington said, “I am pleased that we had a thorough process in place and excellent candidates for this important position. As president, Mary Hennessy put our organisation in a strong position with high member satisfaction, no debt and a healthy reserve fund, for which we are truly thankful. And, I know that Steve is prepared to take over and keep us moving forward.” (GK)
Steve will replace Mary Hennessy, who is retiring June 1, 2018, after holding the position for the last six years.
Schiffman had a long and successful career in publishing before joining the staff of IFAI in January 2013. During his time at IFAI, Schiffman has led advertising and exhibit sales, membership recruitment and retention, web development, and the editorial and circulation departments. With his leadership, IFAI has maintained strong magazines, offered new digital media opportunities, nurtured a growing membership and launched new websites.
Hennessy, having served IFAI in numerous roles for more than 30 years, announced her retirement in September 2017, providing ample time for a successful replacement search. The IFAI Board of Directors appointed a search committee headed by Steve Ellington, president of Trivantage and chair of the IFAI board, who worked with a search firm to seek candidates, ultimately narrowing the list to a few finalists. After interviewing the finalists, the committee made their recommendation to the full IFAI Board of Directors for approval. The board voted unanimously to approve Schiffman’s new role.
Hennessy said, “Steve has done a great job for IFAI since joining our team 5 years ago. He is earnest and determined, and I have complete confidence in his abilities. I know he will be a strong and thoughtful leader.”
Ellington said, “I am pleased that we had a thorough process in place and excellent candidates for this important position. As president, Mary Hennessy put our organisation in a strong position with high member satisfaction, no debt and a healthy reserve fund, for which we are truly thankful. And, I know that Steve is prepared to take over and keep us moving forward.” (GK)